Chapter 37

At its core, Revenge focused on war content such as siege warfare.

Isn’t Revenge just a passive game where you can automate hunting and let it run?

It was a common misconception due to lack of knowledge about the game.

Despite this, Revenge maintained overwhelming dominance at number one in sales revenue.

Upon closer inspection, this made sense. Unless the game had cast some kind of hypnotic spell on people to extract their money, there must have been valid reasons for its popularity.

While it’s true that most playtime in Revenge involves automated hunting, strictly speaking, it’s not actual combat. Rather, it’s more akin to farming or gathering resources.

In other words, the real content of Revenge was to farm specs automatically and then wage war with those specs.

Let’s say there is a raid boss.

In most games, naturally overcoming such a formidable raid boss would be part of the game’s content. Players would challenge it, regardless of whether they died or not, to assess the monster’s skills. They would gauge its health, determine conditions for entering phase two, three, etc., find special gimmicks, devise strategies, coordinate continuous attempts with other parties or guild members, and carry out raids together.

However, Revenge was different.

When it was time for a raid boss to appear, one guild would make a declaration:

“We, Hurk Guild, will take down the Cyclops Wielding Greatsword this time around.”

Then other guilds would voice their objections.

“I disagree.”

“Me too!”

“We also oppose it.”

“But we came here to claim it for ourselves!”

And what happens next when such disputes arise? War.

Unlike other games where raid bosses either waited all day for players or spawned instantly upon challenge, there was only one raid boss at a time in Revenge that appeared and disappeared on a fixed schedule. As a result, while trying to defeat the raid monster, players had to fend off others attempting to steal the kill from them simultaneously.

In extreme cases, guilds could end up in a deadly war against each other, causing massive losses for both sides while the raid boss disappeared at its designated time! As such, Players had to constantly monitor the countdown and adjust their strategies accordingly. Guilds that were once enemies would form alliances to push out others. They negotiated, betrayed, or crushed opponents with brute force. And all this involved tens of thousands of players, not just hundreds.

The process wasn’t confined within the game either; it spilled over onto the internet through media warfare, sometimes leading to face-to-face meetings in real life. Some even resorted to bribery or planting spies in rival guilds to gather intel!

In this typical game, players needed social skills that were unimaginable in other games.

That’s why Revenge is the top-grossing title.

It was all about the thrill of war—enjoying victory over human opponents…something unattainable when battling NPCs programmed by developers.

While these aspects might not appeal to casual gamers, they attracted Revenge’s main clientele: the “whales,” or users who spent huge amounts on microtransactions, thus generating most of the game’s revenue.

Seriously though, item prices have gone insane. Stop jacking them up, you crazy people! Do you even know how much money you’re making?! I just want to buy rare items for ten cents!

Well, let’s get back to the main point.

In Revenge, raids against bosses were wars. Wars also occurred over good hunting grounds in the field. Events were wars, and naturally, siege warfare was war as well.

“Sigh. There used to be just one dungeon raid… Now even that is a war?”

Of course, this war wasn’t against other players but against monsters. Unlike the monsters in Revenge, these monsters formed groups and devised strategies. It meant they weren’t easy opponents. This time, I cleared the hell difficulty rating instantly by dealing with the boss monster on Red Axe Hill… However, it was only possible in such ‘low-level zones’. As I moved towards the central part of the continent, clearing dungeons at hell difficulty would become increasingly difficult.

Grrrumble!

“Ugh! What’s happening?! Retreat back!”

“W-We don’t need to retreat… The ground is pushing us away!”

Before I knew it, I had emerged from the dungeon and stood alongside my soldiers. Due to the chaotic situation and the rapid completion of the dungeon, they hadn’t noticed my return.

‘How long did it take me? About 15 minutes?’

It was truly accomplished in the blink of an eye.

‘However…this method only works up until rare-level bosses.’

In a game, dungeons couldn’t be cleared this quickly even if one tried. For instance, consider the dungeon located 100 km below—just within my own territory. Its hell-mode boss was none other than a Sword Master, right?

While my weapon throwing technique delivered powerful attacks that few masters could replicate…at its core, it remains merely a simple physical strike…

I wasn’t equipped to defeat opponents beyond my level.

‘If I had to describe my current combat style…it’s optimized for attrition warfare.’

Thanks to my ability to travel between Earth and Ardenia, I effectively have infinite stamina, and I can recover from any injury, even fatal ones.

However, what if I encountered an enemy capable of killing me instantly?

‘It wouldn’t matter how often I go back to Earth then.’

At that moment, the expansion halted. What lay before me was an expansive open field with a radius of approximately 1 km, and…

Crack!

The ground split apart, and walls began rising.

“Wow, is this possible?”

“My goodness, castle walls!”

“Did Lordship do something? This transformation… Oh! Lordship!”

As approximately 1,700 subjects watched, the castle gradually became completed. The height of the castle wall was only 3.5 meters, not particularly high. Rather than castle walls, it resembled slightly taller fences. However, the perfectly circular shape, as if drawn by a giant compass, and the seamless construction made for an impressive sight.

‘Well, it’s just an earthen fortress.’

The castle walls built from piled dirt were akin to steep hills, allowing anyone with exceptional physical abilities to easily climb over them. Moreover, they would likely erode away during heavy storms.

“We must quickly seize control and upgrade it immediately.”

As I resolved this, my eyes caught glimpses of figures descending upon the castle walls - goblins wielding bows and staffs taking their positions.

“Swordsman.”

“Yes, Lordship.”

“I will break down the castle gates and lead all forces forward. We will seize control of this castle.”

“Yes sir!”

“Stonestone, Hundred. You two come with me.”

“Yes sir!”

[A Rhinoceros Sting (Rare) has been summoned.]

I summoned my pet and handed over two cards to the knights.

“This is…”

“You know it already? Summon them right away.”

At my words, Stonestone and Hundred waved their hands briefly in the air.

Pak! Pak!

Two identical horses were summoned behind each knight: Advanced Armored Horse Jean. I chose these considering they might be subject to arrow attacks.

“Wow! They have quite a size!”

“What magnificent steel armor!”

The two knights rejoiced happily. Perhaps as mounted knights, they were too thrilled after having walked for too long without mounts.

‘The horses I originally had were killed by those damn orcs.’

I regretted not getting them earlier as I selected the siege warfare UI. Siege warfare proceeded through four stages:

1. A qualified guild declares the siege warfare. The siege can only occur once a week.

2. Once it begins, up to 10 attacking guilds and one defending guild engage in combat outside the castle walls. This stage ends when the castle gates are destroyed.

3. After the castle gates are destroyed, fighting moves inside the inner fortress. It concludes when the guardian tower within is demolished.

4. With the destruction of the guardian tower and the resulting disappearance of protective barriers, the attacking team invades the feudal lord’s castle. The final battle takes place at the throne, ending when the guild master of the attacking team inscribes their name on it.

I chose ‘Declare Siege Warfare’.

[A guild has declared siege on the Red Horn Goblin Fortress!]

[Guilds wishing to participate in the siege, please declare your participation!]

If another guild on the continent of Ardenia chose to participate in the system’s siege declaration, then the siege time would be delayed somewhat and it would become a competitive event.

‘Although that would’ve been troublesome.’

However, there were no supporting guilds, as expected. Even if someone was lucky enough to obtain a class card, forming a guild was impossible for them. Despite being written in hangul, the system UI was extremely unfamiliar to people living in medieval times. Moreover, creating a guild required a level over 20 and a considerable amount of gold.

Thump, thump, thump!

The iron-armored rhinos and armored horses charged towards Toto. As I ran alongside them, I commanded:

“Eat food.”

“Yes!”

After confirming that two knights took Songpyeon from their inventory and ate them one by one, I also pulled out Songpyeon and swallowed it.

[You have consumed Mugwort Songpyeon (Advanced)! For four hours, your recovery rate and mana recovery will increase by 100 points!]

I roughly threw away the Songpyeon dish and drew my bone longsword. In the distance, there were castle gates and walls with goblins standing on top of them.

‘There is no need to drag out this battle.’

How much money had I spent? It was tens of millions of won. If a player who spent so much money in Revenge was hunting in such a low-level zone, they would be criticized by other users.

Crack!

My muscles twisted, and then I charged forward, launching myself like a projectile.

Kuaaang!

A beam of light struck the castle gate amidst a loud noise.

Kwahkwahkwa-boom!

Due to the reaction force, Sting’s body abruptly stopped running but quickly regained speed with a snort.

When I looked up again, the castle gate was shattered.

“The castle gate is broken! Advance!”

“Keep formation! Don’t run!”

I heard shouts from behind as we charged forward.

“Steel human! The steel human is coming!”

“Shoot your bows!”

“Throw rocks!”

The goblins on top of the castle walls screamed with fear, but we passed through the gate despite their attacks.

Kwakwa-kwakwa!

Sting rushed ahead, trampling over the remnants of the destroyed gate. Two knights riding armored horses followed closely behind.

[The battle outside the castle has ended! The inner castle battle will now commence!]

Kwah-choom!

Flying along a long straight road, my bone sword destroyed a guardian tower.

[The inner castle battle has ended! You can enter the feudal lord’s castle!]

“Log out!” And then I returned to my studio apartment.

“Huff…huff…pant!”

I breathed roughly and clenched my fists. My right arm was black from fingertips to shoulder. This was the price for overusing Throwing. I immediately changed classes:

★☆Job Change Completed☆★

Sword King => Chaplain

“Heal!”

I used the skill without hesitation. Then I lay down on the bed to rest. With the effect of self-regeneration and food, combined with Heal, fortunately, the bruised arm started to return to its original state.

“Wow, Throw is more effective than I thought?”

At first, it was just a technique used as a last resort, but its performance exceeded expectations. A range exceeding 300 meters and the power to destroy castle walls instantly?

Moreover, Throwing doesn’t have any recoil, making it perfect for me with my high strength but relatively low health and stamina.

“Should I open the Throwing Chakra instead of the Weapon Chakra? Is it worth training Throwing?”

I pondered this while taking a break. Of course, it wasn’t complete rest as I used my somewhat recovered left hand to grab the mouse and pick up Songpyeon.

“Login.”

Kukwakwa!

We charged forward. There was almost no resistance since most goblins were concentrated on the castle walls. The frightened goblins came down from the walls to chase us, but they couldn’t follow the horses with their short legs. Conversely, the forces that entered after we cleared the way suffered no harm entering the castle.

They were truly a disorganized rabble, running around aimlessly.

Bang!

We entered the castle. I pushed aside goblins reaching for me and reached the throne.

“Protect her!”

“Yes, Lordship!”

[A notification has appeared: Han Jae-yeon is attempting to engrave the throne!]

The message indicated that someone should quickly run over to stop her. However, there was no other guild present here.

“Haaaap!”

“Haaap!”

With their current strength, the goblins couldn’t penetrate the aura of the two knights.

Then, 15 minutes passed…

[Congratulations! A guild has occupied the Red Spire Goblin Fortress!]

[New Castle Master: Han Jae-yeon.]

If it had been another guild’s castle, the attack and defense would’ve switched roles and continued again. However, since this fortress was neutral, the siege ended immediately.

The goblins causing chaos around us disappeared instantly, leaving only the three of us on the throne.

“Sigh…Sigh… It is over.”

“The conquest ended so quickly. If someone had told me this earlier, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

“But it is strange… Taking possession of the throne means succeeding in the conquest…”

“Well, everyone worked hard.” As I spoke, I checked our future plans.

‘There is still a mountain of things to do.’

Since we captured the castle, elite soldiers stationed here would gradually receive Diva’s Favor. And if they hunted with Diva’s Favor active? The favor would be consumed, and I could gain guild experience points.

Since I ate the castle, another dungeon will likely form at its center. As the lord of this territory, I can impose taxes on that dungeon… Hmm. Will there be any NPCs to trade with? There’s much to explore.

Various plans popped up and disappeared from my mind. Thoughts about training the soldiers and managing my new territory swirled around chaotically.

Kaboom!

However, a series of explosions…

“Awoooo---!” The long howl of a wolf shattered all my thoughts.

“What?”

“That howl… It can’t be.”

“The Great Wolf? Why is he here? Magic beasts invading the dragon’s vein…!”

Leaving behind two startled knights, I rushed out of the castle.

“Ha-ha-ha! Oh! Well done, friend! Can you enter now? Excellent, excellent.”

“…” I gritted my teeth as I spotted the wolf standing in the middle of the castle with an orc perched on its back.

This was completely unexpected, and we were unprepared for this situation.

“Oh! That human over there looks quite strong. Are you the boss here?” The excited voice made me groan.

“…What lunatic…”

Khan Slasher, Grand General of the Vulcan Orcs (Hero), stood before us—a swordmaster and now my enemy.